Viennas second district is definitely up and coming. Several new hotels, restaurants, shops, as well as brand new buildings by famous architects from all over the world have changed the face of the area. Have a look at the new university of economics and check out the Stilwerk design department store on Schwedenplatz, and you’ll see. Aside from culture and design, this district also has Viennas biggest urban park and direct access to Donauinsel, which creates a good balance between urban style and fresh air.
Venediger Au
The small park right across from Prater Apartments is the easiest opportunity for some green grass, trees and park benches under acorn trees. There is a big playground for children of all ages which is perfect if you only have a little time and need your children to vent some energy.
Venediger Au, between Praterstern, Lassalle- und Ausstellungsstraße, 1020 Wien
Prater
The “Green Prater” goes all the way back to the 15th century. The adjoining fairground was added in the 19th century and is open all year round. We highly recommend a walk along the Hauptallee all the way to Lusthaus and back, along with several stops for coffee and refreshments on the way. Should you get tired on the way back (it’s 4km after all), use the small steam-engine train that will take you back to the fairground.
Prater Park and Wurstelprater, along Ausstellungsstraße, 1020 Wien
Ferris Wheel
Viennas most famous landmark is practically next door: the ferris wheel, built in 1897, is always crowded but has a lot of additional benefits, such as a museum shop and a photo studio. Its cars seem to be taken directly from a Wild West train and create a lovely sense of nostalgia. Definitely worth a spin!
Prater-Riesenrad, on Praterstern. 1020 Wien
Praterstraße
Praterstraße connects Praterstern and the first district and has, besides regular shops and supermarkets along the main part, a lovely hidden Parisian corner towards Schwedenplatz. Right by the memorial of Johann Nepomuk Nestroy, you can sit outside most of the year and enjoy the mix of romantic old Vienna and the modern architecture of Stilwerk.
Praterstraße, Nestroyplatz, 1020 Wien
Karmeliter Quarter
The former Jewish district experienced many atrocities during the Fascist reign. Today, a growing community of orthodox Jews has settled again, including a Thora school, a synagogue and koscher Shops. The multi-cultural district is a popular living choice for the new bohemian Bourgeoisie (“Bobos”). There is a market with local goods on weekdays, along with a great number of “Beisl” (taverns) and Cafés.
Karmeliter market and quarter, Taborstraße, 1020 Wien
Augarten
Viennas oldest baroque gardens used to be the site of Mozarts morning concerts and many cultural festivities later on. Today, it hosts the concert hall of the Wiener Sängerknaben, a porcelain manufacture and an open air cinema. It’s a beautiful place to spend afternoons with children (there is a public outdoor pool in the summertime), walking the grounds or enjoying a good book.
Augarten, Obere/untere Augartenstraße, 1020 Wien